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Search - Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
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Book Description:
"One of the funniest and most unusual books of the year....Gross, educational, and unexpectedly sidesplitting."—Entertainment WeeklyStiff is an oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. For two thousand years, cadavers—some willingly, some unwittingly—have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. They've tested France's first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight 800. For every new surgical procedure, from heart transplants to gender reassignment surgery, cadavers have been there alongside surgeons, making history in their quiet way.
In this fascinating, ennobling account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries—from the anatomy labs and human-sourced pharmacies of medieval and nineteenth-century Europe to a human decay research facility in Tennessee, to a plastic surgery practice lab, to a Scandinavian funeral directors' conference on human composting. In her droll, inimitable voice, Roach tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them.
Similar books to this author and title:
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Genres:
- Science >> History & Philosophy >> History of Science
- Medicine >> Special Topics >> History
- Medicine >> Research >> General
- Medicine >> Specialties >> Pathology >> Forensic Medicine
- Professional & Technical >> Medical >> Research
- Professional & Technical >> Medical >> Medicine >> Internal Medicine >> Pathology
Top Member Reviews
Mrs L R. (
8 member(s) found this review helpful.
THIS ISN'T FOR EVERYONE
After long admiring Ms. Roach's contributions to Reader's Digest, I read this book. Although the subject matter is unusual and might well be distasteful to many, she handles it with dignity and, if you can believe, much good humor. If you've ever been curious about all things dead, this is the book for you. Consider it the ultimate recycling idea. Chances are you'll never attend another wake without thinking about the stories in this book.
Jennifer W. (
6 member(s) found this review helpful.
I rarely read non-fiction, but the cover of this book grabbed me. Boy, am I glad I picked it up! Filled with tons of facts about the uses of cadavers, many of which I'd never considered (crash-test dummies, police training, fertilizer), the book's footnotes are not to be missed.
Terrifically funny without being irreverent, Mary Roach has written an informative book that got me thinking about what I want done with my body after death.
Not to mention the best line, ever, in a book: "Well, do me chicken."
CM C. (
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
When the living stop living, what happens to what's left over? From funerary procedures, to medical teaching aid, to odd science experiments done in the name of education, to preventing future deaths, to being eaten... this pop-sci journey is a quick read, easy to understand, and takes away the mysteries and ignorances of what's done with cadavers.
Brandy S. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Oh, I enjoyed this book, and now want to will by body somewhere fun. Although I expected more of the book to be about where cadavers go, most of the book was about how different body parts have been used for different tests over time, including trying to prove if the Shroud of Turin was real, and different ways to inter oneself after passing. It made me be very thankful to those who have willed their bodies in the past for the safety changes that have been made because of them.
Amy D. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Fantastic look at a topic not "fit for polite conversation"...what happens to our bodies after death. The author's humorous (but not disrespectful) tone makes the material, although off-putting, engaging. I thought it was fascinating and funny!
Mary S. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really liked the writing style of this author. She was funny and down to earth, even when writing about cadavers! Very informative.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I found this book to be very enlightening. Not gruesome to read at all. I truly learned a great deal about all facets of the "life of a cadaver" when it is donated to science. I recommend this book to all who wish to be well read.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was an excellent, fascinating book, though clearly not for everyone. As the summary describes, it is a book about the many potential uses for our bodies once we die. Mary Roach writes with both respect for the bodies and their previous owners and a great deal of humor. It's a fantastic combination that kept me coming back for more, and got me through some of the more graphic descriptions and unpleasant mental images. I would definitely recommend this book to all who are interested in science or even mildly curious about the lives of cadavers.
Megan S. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Explains exactly what happens to your body after you die: past history of cannibalism, dissection, autopsies, organ donation, life-ending trauma caused in airplane and car rashes, burial, cremation, and up-and-coming means of body disposal. Definitely not things you talk about at the dinner table, but I found it very interesting. She explores the history behind a lot of urban myths surrounding the dead as well. I liked how she broke the book up into shorter readable chapters.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
if you like "dead like me" or "six feet under" or "quincy"... you will love this quirky set of essays on human cadavers... very different... really worth it
Rate These Member Reviews
W. R. (Science. * * * . For the CSI/forensics buff. The book takes a gander at how our dead bodies have been used throughout history; not only to solve crimes but also to help advance science, medicine, and safe cars. As weird as the book may sound, the author infuses the book with wit and dry humor making it an entertaining read.
It really gets down to the nitty-gritty so add ½* if you like stomach-churning details; subtract ½* if you don't. Regardless, it still is a fascinating look into the history of corpses.
William B. (Excellent read and summation about your options when you are dead. I don't think I like any of the options available so I think I will just keep breathing for the time being.
I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. Although it was funny in spots, I got a little grossed out in spots. Not for everyone.
MELISSA L. (i loved this book... it's about cadavers and dead bodies, which i find really interesting... definitely a different read. The author had a column in Reader's Digest which is where i found this book.
I normally don't read non-fiction but I saw Mary Roach's name and said, what the heck?
Extremely, beyond my expectations well written. She writes it with dignity and makes the people (who work with cadavers) honorable. I never have been more fascinated with a subject such as I am now with the body farm. I'm reading the Body Farm and will keep reading more non-fiction books about this subject. It never gets old or boring because you learn something new everytime!
Excellent but occasionally gross book. The author's writing style is respectful yet humorous and enjoyable to read. If you like watching CSI this book is for you.
5+ Stars! Informative, witty, well-written! (NOT for the faint of heart) If you ever wondered what it really means to donate your body to science, this is the book for you...
Very outrageous! Should have been named, " 101 Things To Do With A Dead Body"
Gives a good idea, as too what happens when you donate your body.
Kathy K. (VERY interesting book. Impressively written with both humor and respect.